Method of driving light-source and display apparatus for performing the method

ABSTRACT

A method of driving a light-source module includes adjusting a frequency of a boosting switching signal based on a dimming signal which controls luminance of a light-emitting diode (“LED”) string of the light-source module, where the LED string comprises a plurality of LEDs connected to each other in series, and controlling a main transistor in response to the boosting switching signal to transfer a driving voltage to the LED string.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/374,016, filed on Dec. 9, 2016, which is a divisional of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/742,519, filed on Jan. 16, 2013, which claimspriority to Korean Patent Applications No. 10-2012-0059078, filed onJun. 1, 2012, and Korean Patent Applications No. 10-2012-0092157, filedon Aug. 23, 2012, and all the benefits accruing therefrom under 35U.S.C. § 119, the contents of which in their entireties are herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to a method of driving alight-source, and a display apparatus for performing the method ofdriving the light-source. More particularly, exemplary embodiments ofthe invention relate to a method of driving a light-source with improvedcontrast ratio, and a display apparatus for performing the method ofdriving the light-source.

2. Description of the Related Art

Generally, a liquid crystal display (“LCD”) apparatus includes an LCDpanel that displays an image using optical transmittance of liquidcrystal molecules and a backlight assembly disposed below the LCD panelto provide the LCD panel with light.

The LCD panel includes an array substrate, a color filter substrate anda liquid crystal layer. The array substrate includes a plurality ofpixel electrodes and a plurality of thin-film transistors (“TFTs”)electrically connected to the pixel electrodes. The color filtersubstrate faces the array substrate and has a common electrode and aplurality of color filters. The liquid crystal layer is interposedbetween the array substrate and the color filter substrate. When anelectric field generated between the pixel electrode and the commonelectrode is applied to the liquid crystal layer, the arrangement ofliquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer is altered tochange the optical transmissivity of the liquid crystal layer, such thatan image is displayed on the LCD panel. The LCD panel displays a whiteimage of a high luminance when an optical transmittance is increased tomaximum, and the LCD panel displays a black image of a low luminancewhen the optical transmittance is decreased to minimum.

Recently, the backlight assembly includes a plurality of light-emittingdiodes (“LEDs”) as a light-source. Light emitted from the LEDs iscontrolled using a pulse width modulation (“PWM”) dimming method basedon luminance of an image displayed on the LCD panel. According to thePWM dimming method, a duty ratio of a pulse is adjusted to adjust anintensity of the light emitted from the LEDs. In the PWM dimming method,when the duty ratio of the pulse is less than about 2%, a high level ofa current outputted from the LED is substantially decreased, and the LEDis thereby not effectively controlled.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a method of driving alight-source with improved contrast ratio.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention also provide a display apparatusfor performing the method of driving the light-source.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method ofdriving a light-source module includes adjusting a frequency of aboosting switching signal based on a dimming signal which controlsluminance of a light-emitting diode (“LED”) string of the light-sourcemodule, where the LED string comprises a plurality of LEDs connected toeach other in series, and controlling a main transistor in response tothe boosting switching signal to transfer a driving voltage to the LEDstring.

In an exemplary embodiment, the adjusting the frequency of the boostingswitching signal may include generating a chopping wave of a firstdriving frequency when a level of the dimming signal is greater than apreset value, and adjusting the frequency of the boosting switchingsignal to generate a first boosting switching signal using the choppingwave of the first driving frequency.

In an exemplary embodiment, the adjusting the frequency of the boostingswitching signal may include generating a chopping wave of a seconddriving frequency higher than the first driving frequency when the levelof the dimming signal is less than the preset value, and adjusting thefrequency of the boosting switching signal to generate a second boostingswitching signal using the chopping wave of the second drivingfrequency.

In an exemplary embodiment, the method may further include comparing anoutput current of the LED string with a reference signal to output theboosting switching signal.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method ofdriving a light-source module includes adjusting a frequency of a pulsewidth modulation (“PWM”) control signal having a current control pulseto control an LED string of the light-source module, where the LEDstring comprises a plurality of LEDs connected to each other in series,and controlling a control switching element which is connected to an endportion of the LED string in response to the PWM control signal.

In an exemplary embodiment, the adjusting a frequency of the PWM controlsignal may include generating a chopping wave of a first drivingfrequency when a level of the dimming signal which controls luminance ofthe LED string is greater than a preset value, and adjusting thefrequency of the PWM control signal to generate a first PWM controlsignal using the chopping wave of the first driving frequency.

In an exemplary embodiment, the adjusting the frequency of the PWMcontrol signal may include generating a chopping wave of a seconddriving frequency higher than the first driving frequency when a levelof the dimming signal which controls luminance of the LED string is lessthan the preset value, and adjusting the frequency of the PWM controlsignal to generate a second PWM control signal using the chopping waveof the second driving frequency.

In an exemplary embodiment, the adjusting the frequency of the PWMcontrol signal may include generating a chopping wave of a first drivingfrequency when a level of a detection voltage detected from the endportion of the LED string is substantially equal to a preset value, andadjusting the frequency of the PWM control signal to generate a firstPWM control signal using the chopping wave of the first drivingfrequency.

In an exemplary embodiment, the adjusting the frequency of the PWMcontrol signal may include generating a chopping wave of a seconddriving frequency when the level of the detection voltage is differentfrom the preset value and adjusting the frequency of the PWM controlsignal to generate a second PWM control signal using the chopping waveof the second driving frequency.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a displayapparatus includes a display panel configured to receive an image signaland to display an image corresponding to the received image signal, alight-source module including a light-emitting diode (“LED”) string,wherein the LED string includes a plurality of LEDs connected to eachother in series, and a light-source driving part including a maintransistor, configured to adjust a frequency of a boosting switchingsignal based on a dimming signal, which controls luminance of the LEDstring, and configured to control the main transistor in response to theboosting switching signal to transfer a driving voltage to the LEDstring.

In an exemplary embodiment, the light-source driving part may include animage analyzing part configured to analyze the image signal and todetermine a target luminance value of the LED string, a dimming leveldetermining part configured to determine the dimming signal of the LEDstring using the target luminance value, and a driving signal generatingpart including the main transistor, configured to adjust the drivingfrequency of the boosting switching signal based on the dimming signaland configured to drive the main transistor in response to the boostingswitching signal.

In an exemplary embodiment, the driving signal generating part mayinclude a frequency oscillating part configured to generate a choppingwave, a frequency modulating part configured to modulate a drivingfrequency of the chopping wave to a first driving frequency or a seconddriving frequency higher than the first driving frequency, and adirect-current-to-direct-current converting part including the maintransistor and configured to transfer the driving signal to the LEDstring in response to the first or second boosting switching signalbased on the chopping wave of the first or second driving frequency.

In an exemplary embodiment, the frequency modulating part may include aninput part configured to receive the dimming signal, a voltage dividingpart configured to divide a voltage of the dimming signal, a diode partbeing connected to the input part and the voltage dividing part, anoscillating transistor configured to operate in response to a dividedvoltage received from the voltage dividing part, and a resistor partincluding a second resistor connected in parallel to a first resistor ofthe frequency oscillating part, which determines the driving frequencyof the chopping wave.

In an exemplary embodiment, the display panel may be divided into aplurality of display blocks, the light-source module may include aplurality of light-emitting blocks, and each of the light-emittingblocks may include the LED string.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a displayapparatus includes a display panel configured to receive an image signaland to display an image corresponding to the image signal, alight-source module including an LED string, where the LED stringcomprises a plurality of LEDs connected to each other in series, and alight-source driving part including a main transistor, configured toadjust a frequency of a PWM control signal having a current controlpulse to control the LED string, and configured to control a controlswitching element, which is connected to an end portion of the LEDstring, in response to the PWM control signal.

In an exemplary embodiment, the light-source driving part may include animage analyzing part configured to analyze the image signal and todetermine a target luminance value of the LED string, a dimming leveldetermining part configured to determine the dimming signal of the LEDstring using the target luminance value, and a driving signal generatingpart including the main transistor, configured to adjust the drivingfrequency of the boosting switching signal based on the dimming signaland configured to drive the main transistor in response to the boostingswitching signal.

In an exemplary embodiment, the driving signal generating part mayinclude a frequency oscillating part configured to generate a choppingwave, a frequency modulating part configured to modulate a drivingfrequency of the chopping wave to a first driving frequency or a seconddriving frequency higher than the first driving frequency, based on thedimming signal which controls luminance of the LED string, and aconstant current control part configured to generate first or second PWMcontrol signal as the PWM control signal based on the chopping wave ofthe first or second driving frequency.

In an exemplary embodiment, the frequency modulating part may include aninput part configured to receive the dimming signal, a voltage dividingpart configured to divide a voltage of the dimming signal, a diode partconnected to the input part and the voltage dividing part, anoscillating transistor configured to operate in response to a dividedvoltage received from the voltage dividing part, and a resistor partincluding a second resistor connected in parallel to a first resistor ofthe frequency oscillating part, which determines the driving frequencyof the chopping wave.

In an exemplary embodiment, the driving signal generating part mayinclude a frequency oscillating part configured to generate a choppingwave, a frequency modulating part configured to modulate a drivingfrequency of the chopping wave to a first driving frequency or a seconddriving frequency higher than the first driving frequency, based on adetection voltage detected from the end portion of the LED string, and aconstant current control part configured to generate first or second PWMcontrol signal as the PWM control signal based on the chopping wave ofthe first or second driving frequency.

In an exemplary embodiment, the frequency modulating part may include aninput part configured to receive the detection voltage, a voltagedividing part configured to divide the detection voltage, a diode partconnected to the input part and the voltage dividing part, anoscillating transistor configured to operate in response to a dividedvoltage received from the voltage dividing part, and a resistor partincluding a second resistor connected in parallel to a first resistor ofthe frequency oscillating part, which determines the driving frequencyof the chopping wave.

According to the invention, when the dimming signal having the dutyratio which is less than about 1% is applied to the light-source module,the output current of the light-source module is effectively preventedfrom being decreased. Thus, luminance of the light-source module iseffectively controlled, and a contrast ratio is thereby substantiallyimproved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features of the invention will become more apparentby describing in detailed exemplary embodiments thereof with referenceto the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of adisplay apparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of adriving signal generating part shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of amethod of driving the driving signal generating part shown in FIG. 2;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are waveform diagrams illustrating an output current ofLED string which receives a dimming signal having a low duty ratio;

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram illustrating an alternative exemplaryembodiment of a driving signal generating part according to theinvention;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of amethod of driving the driving signal generating part shown in FIG. 5;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are signal timing diagrams illustrating a PWM controlsignal of the LED string according to the duty ratio of the dimmingsignal in the driving signal generating part shown in FIG. 5;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are waveform diagrams illustrating an output current ofLED string which receives a dimming signal having a low duty ratio; and

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram illustrating another alternative exemplaryembodiment of a driving signal generating part according to theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference tothe accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of theinvention are shown.

This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms, andshould not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will bethorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the inventionto those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to likeelements throughout.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to asbeing “on”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, itcan be directly on, connected or coupled to the other element or layeror intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when anelement is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to”or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are nointervening elements or layers present. Like numbers refer to likeelements throughout. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any andall combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. maybe used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layersand/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/orsections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only usedto distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section fromanother region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component,region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a secondelement, component, region, layer or section without departing from theteachings of the invention.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”,“upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description todescribe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) orfeature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that thespatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use or operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in thefigures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” otherelements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elementsor features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both anorientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented(rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relativedescriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms, “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes”and/or “including”, when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will befurther understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly useddictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art andwill not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unlessexpressly so defined herein.

Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to crosssection illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealizedembodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations asa result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances,are to be expected. Thus, embodiments described herein should not beconstrued as limited to the particular shapes of regions as illustratedherein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example,from manufacturing. For example, a region illustrated or described asflat may, typically, have rough and/or nonlinear features. Moreover,sharp angles that are illustrated may be rounded. Thus, the regionsillustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes arenot intended to illustrate the precise shape of a region and are notintended to limit the scope of the claims set forth herein.

All methods described herein can be performed in a suitable order unlessotherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “suchas”), is intended merely to better illustrate the invention and does notpose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwiseclaimed. No language in the specification should be construed asindicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of theinvention as used herein.

A technical term “viewing angle” is defined as the angle between theline of sight of the viewer viewing the screen and the tangent to theintersection between the line of sight and the observed screen surface,and the difference between the center and left/right edge viewing anglesis defined as and used to mean the “viewing angle difference.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the invention will be explained indetail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of adisplay apparatus according to the invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the display apparatus may include a display panel100, a timing control part 110, a panel driving part 130, a light-sourcemodule 200 and a light-source driving part 290.

The display panel 100 may include a plurality of pixels for displayingan image. In one exemplary embodiment, for example, the pixels may bearranged substantially in a matrix form, and the number of the pixels isM×N, where M and N are a natural number. Each pixel P includes aswitching element TR connected to a gate line GL and a data line DL, aliquid crystal capacitor CLC connected to the switching element TR, anda storage capacitor Cst connected to the liquid crystal capacitor CLC.

The timing control part 110 may receive a synchronization signal and animage signal from an external device. The timing control part 110generates a timing control signal to control a driving timing of thedisplay panel 100 using the synchronization signal. The timing controlsignal may include a clock signal, a horizontal synchronization signaland a vertical synchronization signal, for example.

The panel driving part 130 drives the display panel 100 using thesynchronization signal and the image signal received from the timingcontrol part 110. In one exemplary embodiment, for example, the paneldriving part 130 includes a gate driving part and a data driving part.The gate driving part may generate a gate signal, which is applied tothe gate line GL, using the vertical synchronization signal. The datadriving part may generate a data signal, which is applied to the dataline DL, using the horizontal synchronization signal.

The light-source module 200 provides the display panel 100 with light.The light-source module 200 includes a light-emitting block LB, and thelight-emitting block LB includes a light-emitting diode (“LED”) string.The LED string includes a plurality of LEDs connected to each other inseries. The light-source module 200 may include a plurality oflight-emitting blocks LB. An intensity of light emitted from alight-emitting block LB may be determined based on luminance of an imagewhich is displayed on a corresponding display block DB in the displaypanel 100. The light-emitting blocks LB may be arranged in a linear formor a matrix form. The light-emitting blocks LB may be driven in a localdimming mode.

The light-source driving part 290 may include an image analyzing part210, a dimming level determining part 230 and a driving signalgenerating part 250.

The image analyzing part 210 determines a target luminance value usingthe synchronization signal and the image signal.

The dimming level determining part 230 generates a dimming signal whichcontrols the intensity of the light emitted from the light-source module200 using the target luminance value.

An exemplary embodiment of a method of driving the light-source module200 may include a global dimming method that adjusts the luminance ofthe overall display screen and a local dimming method that divides thedisplay screen into a plurality of blocks and independently adjusts theluminance of the blocks. In an exemplary embodiment, the dimming methodmay include a pulse width modulation (“PWM”) dimming method which usesthe dimming signal as a PWM dimming signal and an analog dimming methodwhich uses the dimming signal as a direct current (“DC”) signal. In thePWM dimming method, the duty ratio of a pulse signal is controlled tothereby control the luminance of the light-emitting block. In the analogdimming method, a voltage level of the DC signal is controlled tothereby control the luminance of the light-emitting block. The PWMdimming method may include an external dimming method which receives thepulse signal from an external and an internal dimming method whichreceives a DC signal and then converts the DC signal into the pulsesignal. Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment where the PWM dimmingmethod is used will be described in greater detail.

In such an embodiment, the driving signal generating part 250 providesthe light-source module 200 with a driving voltage using the dimmingsignal.

In such an embodiment, the driving signal generating part 250 providesthe light-source module 200 with the driving voltage in response to afirst boosting switching signal having a first driving frequency, whenthe duty ratio of the dimming signal, that is, a level of the dimmingsignal, is greater than a preset value. The driving signal generatingpart 250 provides the light-source module 200 with the driving voltagein response to a second boosting switching signal having a seconddriving frequency higher than the first driving frequency, when the dutyratio of the dimming signal is less than the preset value. In anexemplary embodiment, the preset value may correspond to the duty ratioin a range of about 1% to about 2%, but not being limited thereto.

Therefore, when the dimming signal having the duty ratio less than thepreset value is applied to the light-source module 200, the drivingsignal generating part 250 increases the number of times of providingthe light-source module 200 with the driving voltage. Accordingly, thedriving signal generating part 250 effectively prevents an outputcurrent of the light-source module 200 from falling.

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of adriving signal generating part shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the display apparatus may include thedriving signal generating part 250 and the light-source module 200. Thelight-emitting block included in the light-source module 200 may beindividually driven, e.g., driven independent of each other, and mayinclude a LED string LS.

The driving signal generating part 250 may include adirect-current-to-direct-current (“DC/DC”) converting part 251,frequency oscillating part 252, a frequency modulating part 253 and acurrent feedback part 254.

The DC/DC converting part 251 includes a boosting part 251 a, a maintransistor 251 b, a rectification part 251 c, a charging part 251 d andan integrated circuit 251 e. The boosting part 251 a includes aninductor L1. The boosting part 251 a boosts up an input voltage Vin togenerate a driving voltage Vout based on an operation of the maintransistor 251 b. The main transistor 251 b includes a control electrodeconnected to the integrated circuit 251 e, an input electrode connectedto the boosting part 251 a and an output electrode connected to aground. The main transistor 251 b turns on or turns off in response to aboosting switching signal received from the integrated circuit 251 e.The rectification part 251 c may include a diode D1, and is connected tothe boosting part 251 a and the charging part 251 d. The charging part251 d may include a capacitor C1 and is connected to the rectificationpart 251 c and an end portion of the LED string LS to charge the drivingvoltage V out.

The integrated circuit 251 e performs a boosting operation and a dimmingoperation to drive the LED string LS. In one exemplary embodiment, forexample, the integrated circuit 251 e controls the main transistor 251 bbased on the boosting switching signal received from the currentfeedback part 254.

The frequency oscillating part 252 generates an oscillating wave, whichis a chopping wave. In an exemplary embodiment, the frequencyoscillating part 252 selectively generates one of chopping waves havinga first driving frequency and a second driving frequency higher than thefirst driving frequency based on a control of the frequency modulatingpart 253.

The frequency oscillating part 252 may include a plurality ofoperational (“OP”) amplifiers, a plurality of resistors R2, R3, R4 andR5, a plurality of diodes D6 and D7 and a capacitor C2, but not beinglimited thereto. In one exemplary embodiment, for example, the frequencyoscillating part 252 may generate the chopping wave having a drivingfrequency f_(op) using the following Equation (1).

$\begin{matrix}{{f_{op} = \frac{K}{R_{RT}\lbrack {k\Omega} \rbrack}}\;} & (1)\end{matrix}$

In Equation 1, K is a constant, and R_(RT) denotes a resistance inkiloohm (kΩ) of a first resistor R3 included in the frequencyoscillating part 252. In Equation 1, the driving frequency f_(op) of thechopping wave may be determined by the resistance of the first resistorR3.

The frequency modulating part 253 may include an input part 253 a, adiode part 253 b, a voltage dividing part 253 c, an oscillatingtransistor 253 d and a resistor part 253 e, and modulates the drivingfrequency of the chopping wave based on a level of the dimming signal.

The input part 253 a includes a first input terminal IT1 which receivesan external dimming signal E_DIM and a second input terminal IT2 whichreceives an internal dimming signal I_DIM. The frequency modulating part253 further include a digital-to-analog convertor DAC which is connectedto the first input terminal IT1. The external dimming signal E_DIM is analternating current signal including a pulse. The digital-to-analogconvertor DAC converts the alternating current signal to a directcurrent signal as a DC voltage. The internal dimming signal I_DIM is thedirect current signal as the DC voltage. The internal dimming signalI_DIM may be about zero (0) volt (V) to about 3.3 V. The input part 253a selectively receives one of the alternating current signal receivedfrom the external dimming signal E_DIM and the direct current signalreceived from the internal dimming signal I_DIM.

The diode part 253 b includes a first diode D8 which is connected to thefirst input terminal IT1 and a second diode D9 which is connected to thesecond input terminal IT2. The external or internal dimming signalreceived from the input part 253 a is applied to the voltage dividingpart 253 c through the diode part 253 b.

The voltage dividing part 253 c includes a plurality of resistors R7 andR8 which are connected to each other in series. The voltage dividingpart 253 c divides a voltage of the external or internal dimming signaland provides the oscillating transistor 253 d with a divided voltage.

In an exemplary embodiment, the oscillating transistor 253 d is a PNPtransistor. The oscillating transistor 253 d includes a controlelectrode which is connected to the voltage dividing part 253 c, aninput electrode which is connected to the frequency oscillating part 252and an output electrode which is connected to the resistor part 253 e.The oscillating transistor 253 d turns on when the divided voltage isless than a threshold voltage of the oscillating transistor 253 d. Whenthe oscillating transistor 253 d is turned on, the resistor part 253 eand the first resistor R3 of the frequency oscillating part 252, whichaffects the driving frequency, are connected in parallel.

In such an embodiment, when the divided voltage is greater than thethreshold voltage of the oscillating transistor 253 d, the oscillatingtransistor 253 d turns off. When the oscillating transistor 253 d isturned off, the frequency modulating part 253 is electrically blockedfrom the frequency oscillating part 252 such that the frequencyoscillating part 252 generates the chopping wave of the first drivingfrequency which is preset.

The resistor part 253 e includes a second resistor R6 which is connectedin parallel to the first resistor R3 of the frequency oscillating part252. When the oscillating transistor 253 d is turned on, the secondresistor R6 is connected in parallel to the first resistor R3 such thatthe resistance R_(RT) of Equation 1 is decreased. The driving frequencyf_(op), which is substantially inversely proportional to the resistanceR_(RT), is increased such that the frequency oscillating part 252generates the chopping wave of the second driving frequency higher thanthe first driving frequency.

In such an embodiment, when the level of the external or internaldimming signal received from the input part 253 a is greater than apreset value, the oscillating transistor 253 d turns off such that thefrequency oscillating part 252 generates the chopping wave of the firstdriving frequency of a low frequency. When the level of the external orinternal dimming signal received from the input part 253 a is less thanthe preset value, the oscillating transistor 253 d turns on such thatthe frequency oscillating part 252 generates the chopping wave of thesecond driving frequency of a high frequency. The preset value may beset to have a duty ratio, which is the level of the external or internaldimming signal, of about 1% to about 2%.

According to an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the frequencymodulating part 253 may be designed by an external application circuitor be built in the frequency oscillating part 252, but not being limitedthereto.

The current feedback part 254 may include a first OP amplifier 254 a anda second OP amplifier 254 b. The current feedback part 254 determines aduty ratio of the boosting switching signal based on the output currentof the LED string LS.

In one exemplary embodiment, for example, the first OP amplifier 254 acompares a detection voltage detected from a second end portion of theLED string LS, which is connected to a ground via a resistor R1, with areference signal Vref and selectively outputs one of a first comparisonsignal and a second comparison signal. The first OP amplifier 254 aoutputs the first comparison signal, when the detection voltage isgreater than the reference signal Vref. The first OP amplifier 254 aoutputs the second comparison signal, when the detection voltage is lessthan the reference signal Vref.

The second OP amplifier 254 b outputs the boosting switching signalusing the first or second comparison signal received from the first OPamplifier 254 a and the chopping wave received from the frequencyoscillating part 252. When the first comparison signal is received, thesecond OP amplifier 254 b outputs the boosting switching signal whichhas the decreased duty ratio. When the second comparison signal isreceived, the second OP amplifier 254 b outputs the boosting switchingsignal which has the increased duty ratio. Therefore, the currentfeedback part 254 may substantially uniformly maintain the outputcurrent of the LED string LS.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the frequency modulating part253 may be disposed in the frequency oscillating part 252 as a singlechip.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of amethod of driving the driving signal generating part shown in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, hereinafter, the input signal of thedriving signal generating part 250 may be referred to as the externaldimming signal, which is a pulse signal.

The first input terminal IT1 receives the external dimming signal E_DIM(S110).

The frequency modulating part 253 compares the duty ratio of theexternal dimming signal E_DIM with the preset value (S120).

In one exemplary embodiment, for example, the external dimming signalE_DIM, which is the pulse signal, is converted into a first voltagethrough the digital-to-analog convertor DAC. The first voltage isdivided into a second voltage less than the first voltage through thevoltage dividing part 253 c and applied to the oscillating transistor253 d. The threshold voltage of the oscillating transistor 253 d may bepreset corresponding to the duty ratio of about 1% with respect to theduty ratio of the dimming signal having a range of about zero (0) % toabout 100%. According to the operation of the oscillating transistor 253d, which is the PNP transistor 253 d, the frequency modulating part 253may determine whether the duty ratio of the external dimming signalE_DIM is greater than or less than about 1%.

When the duty ratio of the external dimming signal E_DIM is greater thanabout 1%, which is the preset value, the oscillating transistor 253 dturns off. When the oscillating transistor 253 d is turned off, thefrequency modulating part 253 is electrically blocked from the frequencyoscillating part 252.

Therefore, the frequency oscillating part 252 generates the choppingwave of the first driving frequency, which is preset (S130).

The chopping wave of the first driving frequency is applied to thecurrent feedback part 254. The second OP amplifier 254 b of the currentfeedback part 254 outputs the first boosting switching signal using thecomparison signal received from the first OP amplifier 254 a and thechopping wave of the first driving frequency (S140). The first boostingswitching signal may have the first driving frequency.

The integrated circuit 251 e of the DC/DC converting part 251 controls adriving of the main transistor 251 b based on the first boostingswitching signal. In response to the first boosting switching signal ofthe first driving frequency, the main transistor 251 b provides the LEDstring LS with the driving voltage Vout. Therefore, the LED string LSemits light (S190).

In such an embodiment, when the duty ratio of the external dimmingsignal E_DIM is less than about 1%, which is the preset value, theoscillating transistor 253 d turns on. When the oscillating transistor253 d is turned on, the first resistor R3 of the frequency oscillatingpart 252 is connected in parallel with the second resistor R6 of thefrequency modulating part 253. The second resistor R6 is connected inparallel to the first resistor R3 such that the resistance R_(RT) ofEquation 1, which controls the driving frequency of the frequencyoscillating part 252, is decreased. Therefore, the frequency oscillatingpart 252 generates the chopping wave of the second driving frequencyhigher than the first driving frequency (S150).

The chopping wave of the second driving frequency is applied to thecurrent feedback part 254. The second OP amplifier 254 b of the currentfeedback part 254 outputs the second boosting switching signal using thecomparison signal received from the first OP amplifier 254 a and thechopping wave of the second driving frequency (S160). The secondboosting switching signal may have the second driving frequency.

The integrated circuit 251 e of the DC/DC converting part 251 controlsthe driving of the main transistor 251 b based on the second boostingswitching signal. In response to the second boosting switching signal ofthe second driving frequency, the main transistor 251 b provides the LEDstring LS with the driving voltage Vout. Therefore, the LED string LSemits light (S190).

The number of times for applying the driving voltage Vout to a first endportion of the LED string LS are increased when the driving frequency ofthe first boosting switching signal is the high frequency than the lowfrequency. When the dimming signal has the duty ratio less than about1%, the number of times for applying the driving voltage Vout to thefirst end portion of the LED string LS may be increased such that thecurrent which flows through the LED string LS may be increased.Accordingly, a high level of the output current flowing through the LEDstring LS is effectively prevented from being decreased.

According to an exemplary embodiment, when the duty ratio of the dimmingsignal is a low duty ratio, which is less than about 1%, as well as ahigh duty ratio, the luminance of the light-source module may beeffectively controlled, and a contrast ratio is thereby substantiallyimproved.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are waveform diagrams illustrating an output current ofan exemplary embodiment of an LED string, which receives a dimmingsignal having a low duty ratio.

FIG. 4A is a graph diagram illustrating the boosting switching signaland the output current of an exemplary embodiment of the LED string andFIG. 4B is a graph diagram illustrating the boosting switching signaland the output current of an comparative embodiment of the LED string.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4A, according to an exemplary embodiment, whenthe duty ratio of the dimming signal DIM is less than about 1%, thefrequency oscillating part 252 outputs the chopping wave of the highfrequency according to a control of the frequency modulating part 253and the current feedback part 254 outputs the boosting switching signalH_Cb of the high frequency based on the chopping wave of the highfrequency. Thus, the output current Iout of the LED string is maintainedto a target level (high level).

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4B, the comparative embodiment is substantiallythe same as the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4A, except that thefrequency modulating part 253 is omitted therefrom. According to thecomparative embodiment, when the duty ratio of the dimming signal DIM isless than about 1%, the frequency oscillating part 252 outputs thechopping wave of the low frequency and the current feedback part 254outputs the boosting switching signal L_Cb of the low frequency based onthe chopping wave of the low frequency. Thus, the output current Iout ofthe LED string is decreased.

According to an exemplary embodiment, when the dimming signal having theduty ratio which is less than about 1% is applied to the light-sourcemodule, the output current of the light-source module is effectivelyprevented from being decreased. Thus, luminance of the light-sourcemodule is effectively controlled such that a contrast ratio issubstantially improved.

Hereinafter, alternative exemplary embodiments of the driving signalgenerating part will now be described in detail. The same referencenumerals are used to refer to the same or like parts as those describedin the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 2 to 4B, and any repetitivedetailed description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram illustrating an alternative exemplaryembodiment of a driving signal generating part according to theinvention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, the display apparatus may include a drivingsignal generating part 250 and a light-source module 200. Thelight-emitting block included in the light-source module 200 may beindividually driven and may include a LED string LS.

The driving signal generating part 250 may include a DC/DC convertingpart 251, a first frequency oscillating part 252_1, a frequencymodulating part 253, a second frequency oscillating part 252_2, acurrent feedback part 254 and a constant current control part 255. TheLED string LS includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes LED, whichis connected to each other in series. A first end portion of the LEDstring is connected to an output terminal of the DC/DC converting part251 and a second end portion of the LED string is connected to a groundthrough a control switching element SW and a resistor R1.

The DC/DC converting part 251 includes a boosting part 251 a, a maintransistor 251 b, a rectification part 251 c, a charging part 251 d andan integrated circuit 251 e. The boosting part 251 a includes aninductor L1. The boosting part 251 a boosts up an input voltage Vin togenerate a driving voltage Vout based on an operation of the maintransistor 251 b. The main transistor 251 b includes a control electrodeconnected to the integrated circuit 251 e, an input electrode connectedto the boosting part 251 a and an output electrode connected to aground. The main transistor 251 b turns on or turns off in response to aboosting switching signal received from the integrated circuit 251 e.The rectification part 251 c may include a diode D1, and is connected tothe boosting part 251 a and the charging part 251 d. The charging part251 d may include a capacitor C1 and is connected to the rectificationpart 251 c and a first end portion of the LED string LS to charge thedriving voltage Vout.

The integrated circuit 251 e performs a boosting operation and a dimmingoperation to drive the LED string LS. In one exemplary embodiment, forexample, the integrated circuit 251 e controls the main transistor 251 bbased on the boosting switching signal received from the currentfeedback part 254.

The frequency oscillating part 252_1 generates an oscillating wave thatis a boosting chopping wave. The boosting chopping wave is applied tothe current feedback part 254.

The current feedback part 254 includes a first OP amplifier 254 a and asecond OP amplifier 254 b. The current feedback part 254 controls theduty ratio of the boosting switching signal based on an output currentof the LED string LS.

In one exemplary embodiment, for example, the first OP amplifier 254 acompares a detection voltage VR detected from the second end portion ofthe LED string LS with a reference signal Vref and selectively outputsone of a first comparison signal and a second comparison signal. Thefirst OP amplifier 254 a outputs the first comparison signal, when thedetection voltage VR is greater than the reference signal Vref. Thefirst OP amplifier 254 a outputs the second comparison signal, when thedetection voltage VR is less than the reference signal Vref.

The second OP amplifier 254 b outputs the boosting switching signalusing the first or second comparison signal received from the first OPamplifier 254 a and the boosting chopping wave received from thefrequency oscillating part 252_1. When the first comparison signal isreceived, the second OP amplifier 254 b outputs the boosting switchingsignal which has the decreased duty ratio. When the second comparisonsignal is received, the second OP amplifier 254 b outputs the boostingswitching signal which has the increased duty ratio. Therefore, thecurrent feedback part 254 substantially uniformly maintains the outputcurrent of the LED string LS.

The second frequency oscillating part 252_2 generates an oscillatingwave that is a chopping wave for controlling a PWM signal. The secondfrequency oscillating part 252_2 may include a plurality of OPamplifiers, a plurality of resistors R2, R3, R7 and R8, a plurality ofdiodes D6 and D7 and a capacitor C2, but not being limited thereto. Inone exemplary embodiment, for example, the second frequency oscillatingpart 252_2 generates the chopping wave having the driving frequencyf_(op) according to Equation 1.

The resistance R_(RT) of Equation 1 may corresponds to a resistance ofthe first resistor R3 included in the second frequency oscillating part252_2. In such an embodiment, the driving frequency of the chopping waveis determined based on the resistance of the first resistor R3.

The frequency modulating part 253 may include an input part 253 a, adiode part 253 b, a voltage dividing part 253 c, an oscillatingtransistor 253 d and a resistor part 253 e. The frequency modulatingpart 253 modulates the driving frequency of the chopping wave based onthe level of the dimming signal.

The input part 253 a includes a first input terminal IT1 which receivesan external dimming signal E_DIM and a second input terminal IT2 whichreceives an internal dimming signal I_DIM. The frequency modulating part253 further include a digital-to-analog convertor DAC which is connectedto the first input terminal IT1. The external dimming signal E_DIM is analternating current signal including a pulse. The digital-to-analogconvertor DAC converts the alternating current signal to a directcurrent signal as a DC voltage. The internal dimming signal I_DIM is thedirect current signal as the DC voltage.

The internal dimming signal I_DIM may be about zero (0) V to about 3.3V. The input part 253 a selectively receive one of the alternatingcurrent signal received from the external dimming signal E_DIM and thedirect current signal received from the internal dimming signal I_DIM.

The diode part 253 b includes a first diode D8 which is connected to thefirst input terminal IT1 and a second diode D9 which is connected to thesecond input terminal IT2. The external or internal dimming signalreceived from the input part 253 a is applied to the voltage dividingpart 253 c through the diode part 253 b.

The voltage dividing part 253 c includes a plurality of resistors R5 andR6 which are connected to each other in series. The voltage dividingpart 253 c divides a voltage of the external or internal dimming signaland provides the oscillating transistor 253 d with a divided voltage.

The oscillating transistor 253 d is a PNP transistor. The oscillatingtransistor 253 d includes a control electrode which is connected to thevoltage dividing part 253 c, an input electrode which is connected tothe second frequency oscillating part 252_2 and an output electrodewhich is connected to the resistor part 253 e. The oscillatingtransistor 253 d turns on when the divided voltage is less than athreshold voltage of the oscillating transistor 253 d. When theoscillating transistor 253 d is turned on, the resistor part 253 e isconnected in parallel to a first resistor R3 that affects the drivingfrequency.

In such an embodiment, the oscillating transistor 253 d turns off, whenthe divided voltage is greater than the threshold voltage of theoscillating transistor 253 d. When the oscillating transistor 253 d isturned off, the frequency modulating part 253 is electrically blockedfrom the frequency oscillating part 252 such that the second frequencyoscillating part 252_2 generates the chopping wave of the first drivingfrequency, which is preset.

The resistor part 253 e includes a second resistor R4 which is connectedin parallel to the first resistor R3 of the second frequency oscillatingpart 252_2. When the oscillating transistor 253 d is turned on, thesecond resistor R4 is connected in parallel to the first resistor R3such that the resistance R_(RT) of Equation 1 is decreased. The drivingfrequency f_(op), which is substantially inversely proportional to theresistance R_(RT), is increased such that the second frequencyoscillating part 252_2 generates the chopping wave of the second drivingfrequency higher than the first driving frequency.

In such an embodiment, when the level of the external or internaldimming signal received from the input part 253 a is greater than apreset value, the oscillating transistor 253 d turns off such that thesecond frequency oscillating part 252_2 generates the chopping wave ofthe first driving frequency of a low frequency. When the level of theexternal or internal dimming signal received from the input part 253 ais less than the preset value, the oscillating transistor 253 d turns onsuch that the second frequency oscillating part 252_2 generates thechopping wave of the second driving frequency of a high frequency. In anexemplary embodiment, the preset value may be preset a duty ratio, whichis the level of the external or internal dimming signal, of about 1% toabout 2%.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the frequency modulating part 253may be designed by an external application circuit or be built in thesecond frequency oscillating part 252_2, but not being limited thereto.

The constant current control part 255 generates a PWM control signalusing the chopping wave of the first or second driving frequencydetermined from the frequency modulating part 253 based on the dutyratio of the dimming signal. The PWM control signal controls a currentwhich flows through the LED string into a constant current. The PWMcontrol signal includes a plurality of current control pulses which isrepeated with a period corresponding to the first or second drivingfrequency. The constant current control part 255 may include avoltage/duty converting part 255 a and a pulse generating part 255 b.

The voltage/duty converting part 255 a determines a duty ratio of thecurrent control pulse based on the detection voltage VR detected fromthe second end portion of the LED string LS. In one exemplaryembodiment, for example, when the detection voltage VR has a high level,a low current flows through the LED string LS according to a control ofthe current feedback part 254 such that the voltage/duty converting part255 a increases the duty ratio of the current control pulse. When thedetection voltage VR has a low level, a high current flows through theLED string LS according to the control of the current feedback part 254such that the voltage/duty converting part 255 a decreases the dutyratio of the current control pulse.

The pulse generating part 255 b generates the PWM control signal usingthe chopping wave of the first or second driving frequency received fromthe frequency modulating part 253 and the duty ratio received from thevoltage/duty converting part 255 a. The PWM control signal includes thecurrent control pulse which is repeated with a period corresponding tothe driving frequency. The control switching element SW repetitivelyturns on and turns off in response to the current control pulse in thePWM control signal during a high period of the dimming signal.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of amethod of driving the driving signal generating part shown in FIG. 5.FIGS. 7A and 7B are waveform diagrams illustrating a PWM control signalof the LED string according to the duty ratio of the dimming signal inthe driving signal generating part shown in FIG. 5.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 5 and 6, hereinafter, the input signal of thedriving signal generating part 250 may be referred to as the externaldimming signal which is a pulse signal.

The first input terminal IT1 receives the external dimming signal E_DIM(S210).

The frequency modulating part 253 compares the duty ratio of theexternal dimming signal E_DIM with the preset value (S220).

In one exemplary embodiment, for example, the external dimming signalE_DIM, which is the pulse signal, is converted into a first voltagethrough the digital-to-analog convertor DAC. The first voltage isdivided into a second voltage less than the first voltage through thevoltage dividing part 253 c and applied to the oscillating transistor253 d. The threshold voltage of the oscillating transistor 253 d may bepreset corresponding to the duty ratio of about 1% with respect to theduty ratio of the dimming signal having a range of about zero (0) % toabout 100%. According to the operation of the oscillating transistor 253d, which is the PNP transistor 253 d, the frequency modulating part 253may determine whether the duty ratio of the external dimming signalE_DIM is greater than or less than about 1%.

When the duty ratio of the external dimming signal E_DIM is greater thanabout 1%, which is the preset value, the oscillating transistor 253 dturns off. When the oscillating transistor 253 d is turned off, thefrequency modulating part 253 is electrically blocked from the secondfrequency oscillating part 252_2.

Therefore, the second frequency oscillating part 252_2 generates thechopping wave of the first driving frequency, which is preset (S230).

The chopping wave of the first driving frequency is applied to theconstant current control part 255. The constant current control part 255generates the first PWM control signal of the first driving frequencybased on the detection voltage VR detected from the second of the LEDstring LS (S240). The first PWM control signal includes the currentcontrol pulse having the duty ratio corresponding to the level of thedetection voltage VR, and the current control pulse is repeated with theperiod corresponding to the first driving frequency during the highperiod of the dimming signal.

The control switching element SW, which is connected to the second endportion of the LED string LS, repetitively turns on and turns off inresponse to the first PWM control signal of the first driving frequencyduring the high period of the dimming signal. Thus, the LED string LSemits light (S290).

In one exemplary embodiment, for example, referring to FIG. 7A, thelight-source module 200 may include a first LED string, a second LEDstring and a third LED string, which have different detection voltagesVR, respectively. In such an embodiment, a first detection voltage ofthe first LED string may have a highest level, a third detection voltageof third LED string may have a lowest level and a second detectionvoltage of the second LED string may have a level between the firstdetection voltage and the third detection voltage.

In such an embodiment, the light-source module 200 may receive thedimming signal DIM_N having the duty ratio N_DR greater than the presetvalue. According to the dimming signal DIM_N having the duty ratio N_DRgreater than the preset value, the oscillating transistor 253 d turnsoff. Thus, the second frequency oscillating part 252_2 is electricallyblocked from the frequency modulating part 253. The second frequencyoscillating part 252_2 generates the chopping wave of the first drivingfrequency, which is preset.

An exemplary embodiment of a method of driving the first LED string willnow be described. The chopping wave of the first driving frequency isapplied to the constant current control part 255. The voltage/dutyconverting part 255 a determines a first duty ratio DR1 of the currentcontrol pulse based on the first detection voltage. When the firstdetection voltage has the highest level, the first duty ratio DR1 ispreset to be the highest as the current feedback part 254 decreases theduty ratio of the boosting switching signal when the detection voltageof the LED string increases. Therefore, the current flowing through theLED string has a low level and the duty ratio of the PWM control signalincreases such that an average current flowing through the LED string issubstantially constant. In such an embodiment, the current feedback part254 increases the duty ratio of the boosting switching signal when thedetection voltage of the LED string decreases. Therefore, the currentflowing through the LED string has a high level and the duty ratio ofthe PWM control signal decreases.

The pulse generating part 255 b generates a first PWM control signalPWM_C1 using the chopping wave of the first duty ratio DR1. The firstPWM control signal PWM_C1 is applied to the control switching element SWwhich is connected to the first LED string. The control switchingelement SW connected to the first LED string repetitively turns on andturns off in response to the first PWM control signal PWM_C1 during thehigh period N_DR of the dimming signal DIM_N.

An exemplary embodiment of a method of driving the second LED stringwill now be described. The chopping wave of the first driving frequencyis applied to the constant current control part 255. The voltage/dutyconverting part 255 a determines a second duty ratio DR2 of the currentcontrol pulse based on the second detection voltage. When the seconddetection voltage is less than the first detection voltage, the secondduty ratio DR2 is preset to be less than the first duty ratio DR1.

The pulse generating part 255 b generates a second PWM control signalPWM_C2 using the second duty ratio DR2 and the chopping wave of thefirst driving frequency. The second PWM control signal PWM_C2 has adriving frequency which is the same as the driving frequency of thefirst PWM control signal PWM_C1 and has a duty ratio which is differentfrom the duty ratio of the first PWM control signal PWM_C1. The secondPWM control signal PWM_C2 is applied to the control switching element SWwhich is connected to the second LED string. The control switchingelement SW connected to the second LED string repetitively turns on andturns off in response to the second PWM control signal PWM_C2 during thehigh period N_DR of the dimming signal DIM_N.

An exemplary embodiment of a method of driving the third LED string willnow be described. The chopping wave of the first driving frequency isapplied to the constant current control part 255. The voltage/dutyconverting part 255 a determines a third duty ratio DR3 based on thethird detection voltage. When the third detection voltage has the lowestlevel, the third duty ratio DR3 is preset to be less than the secondduty ratio DR2.

The pulse generating part 255 b generates a third PWM control signalPWM_C3 using the third duty ratio DR3 and the chopping wave of the firstdriving frequency. The third PWM control signal PWM_C3 has a drivingfrequency which is the same as the driving frequencies of the first andsecond PWM control signals PWM_C1 and PWM_C2, and has a duty ratio whichis different from the duty ratios of the first and second PWM controlsignals PWM_C1 and PWM_C2. The third PWM control signal PWM_C3 isapplied to the control switching element SW which is connected to thethird LED string. The control switching element SW connected to thethird LED string repetitively turns on and turns off in response to thethird PWM control signal PWM_C3 during the high period N_DR of thedimming signal DIM_N.

As described above, in such an embodiment, the average current flowingthrough each of the first, second and third LED strings, issubstantially the same as each other.

In an exemplary embodiment, when the duty ratio of the external dimmingsignal E_DIM is less than about 1%, which is the preset value, theoscillating transistor 253 d turns on. When the oscillating transistor253 d is turned on, the first resistor R3 in the second frequencyoscillating part 252_2 is connected in parallel to the second resistorR4 of the frequency modulating part 253. In such an embodiment, thesecond resistor R4 is connected in parallel to the first resistor R3such that the resistance R_(RT) of Equation 1, which determines thedriving frequency of the second frequency oscillating part 252_2, isdecreased. Therefore, the second frequency oscillating part 252_2generates the chopping wave of the second driving frequency higher thanthe first driving frequency (S250).

The chopping wave of the second driving frequency is applied to theconstant current control part 255. The constant current control part 255generates a second PWM control signal of the second driving frequencybased on the detection voltage VR detected from the second end portionof the LED string (S260). The second PWM control signal includes thecurrent control pulse having the duty ratio corresponding to the levelof the detection voltage VR, and the current control pulse is repeatedwith the period corresponding to the first driving frequency during thehigh period of the dimming signal.

The control switching element SW, which is connected to the second endportion of the LED string LS, repetitively turns on and turns off inresponse to the second PWM control signal of the second drivingfrequency during the high period of the dimming signal. Thus, the LEDstring LS emits light (S290).

In one exemplary embodiment, for example, referring to FIG. 7B, thelight-source module 200 may include a first LED string, a second LEDstring and a third LED string, which have different detection voltagesVR, respectively. A first detection voltage of the first LED string mayhave a highest level, a third detection voltage of third LED string mayhave a lowest level and a second detection voltage of the second LEDstring may have a level between the first detection voltage and thethird detection voltage.

The light-source module 200 receives the dimming signal DIM_L having theduty ratio L_DR less than the preset value. According to the dimmingsignal DIM_L having the duty ratio L_DR less than the preset value, theoscillating transistor 253 d turns on. Thus, the second frequencyoscillating part 252_2 is electrically connected to the frequencymodulating part 253. The second frequency oscillating part 252_2generates the chopping wave of the second driving frequency which ishigher than the first driving frequency.

An exemplary embodiment of a method of driving the first LED string willnow be described. The chopping wave of the first driving frequency isapplied to the constant current control part 255. The voltage/dutyconverting part 255 a determines a first duty ratio DR1 of the currentcontrol pulse based on the first detection voltage. When the firstdetection voltage has the highest level, the first duty ratio DR1 ispreset to be the highest. As shown in FIG. 7B, the first PWM controlsignal PWM_C1 may include at least two current control pulses having thefirst duty ratio DR1 in the high period L_DR of the dimming signal DIM_Lwhich has the duty ratio less than the preset value.

The pulse generating part 255 b generates a first PWM control signalPWM_C1 using the chopping wave of the first duty ratio DR1. The firstPWM control signal PWM_C1 is applied to the control switching element SWwhich is connected to the first LED string. The control switchingelement SW connected to the first LED string repetitively turns on andturns off in response to the first PWM control signal PWM_C1 during thehigh period L_DR of the dimming signal DIM_L.

An exemplary embodiment of a method of driving the second LED stringwill now be described. The chopping wave of the first driving frequencyis applied to the constant current control part 255. The voltage/dutyconverting part 255 a determines a second duty ratio DR2 of the currentcontrol pulse based on the second detection voltage. When the seconddetection voltage is less than the first detection voltage, the secondduty ratio DR2 is preset to be less than the first duty ratio DR1. Asshown in FIG. 7B, the second PWM control signal PWM_C2 may include atleast two current control pulses having the second duty ratio DR2 in thehigh period L_DR of the dimming signal DIM_L.

The pulse generating part 255 b generates a second PWM control signalPWM_C2 using the second duty ratio DR2 and the chopping wave of thefirst driving frequency. The second PWM control signal PWM_C2 has adriving frequency which is the same as that of the first PWM controlsignal PWM_C1 and has a duty ratio which is different from that of thefirst PWM control signal PWM_C1. The second PWM control signal PWM_C2 isapplied to the control switching element SW which is connected to thesecond LED string.

The control switching element SW connected to the second LED stringrepetitively turns on and turns off in response to the second PWMcontrol signal PWM_C2 during the high period L_DR of the dimming signalDIM_L.

An exemplary embodiment of a method of driving the third LED string willnow be described. The chopping wave of the first driving frequency isapplied to the constant current control part 255. The voltage/dutyconverting part 255 a determines a third duty ratio DR3 based on thethird detection voltage. The third detection voltage has the lowestlevel so that the third duty ratio DR3 is preset to be less than thesecond duty ratio DR2. As shown in FIG. 7B, third PWM control signalPWM_C3 may include at least two current control pulses having the thirdduty ratio DR3 in the high period L_DR of the dimming signal DIM_L.

The pulse generating part 255 b generates a third PWM control signalPWM_C3 using the third duty ratio DR3 and the chopping wave of the firstdriving frequency. The third PWM control signal PWM_C3 has a drivingfrequency which is the same as the driving frequencies of the first andsecond PWM control signals PWM_C1 and PWM_C2, and has a duty ratio whichis different from duty ratios of the first and second PWM controlsignals PWM_C1 and PWM_C2. The third PWM control signal PWM_C3 isapplied to the control switching element SW which is connected to thethird LED string. The control switching element SW connected to thethird LED string repetitively turns on and turns off in response to thethird PWM control signal PWM_C3 during the high period L_DR of thedimming signal DIM_L.

As described above, in such an embodiment, when the dimming signalhaving the low duty ratio is received, the driving frequency of the PWMcontrol signal increases such that the PWM control signal includes atleast two current control pulse in the high period of the dimmingsignal. Therefore, the average current flowing through each of thefirst, second and third LED strings, is substantially the same as eachother.

According to an exemplary embodiment, when the duty ratio of the dimmingsignal is a low duty ratio, which is less than about 1%, the averagecurrent is effectively controlled, and a contrast ratio is therebysubstantially improved.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are waveform diagrams illustrating an output current ofLED string which receives a dimming signal having a low duty ratio.

FIG. 8A is a graph diagram illustrating the dimming signal and theoutput current of an exemplary embodiment of the LED string, and FIG. 8Bis a graph diagram illustrating the dimming signal and the outputcurrent of a comparative embodiment of the LED string.

Referring to FIG. 8A, according to the comparative embodiment, thedriving frequency of the PWM control signal may be preset as about 12kilohertz (kHz) regardless of the duty ratio of the dimming signal DIM.Thus, the PWM control signal has only one current control pulse duringthe high period of the dimming signal which has the duty ratio less thanabout 1%. In the comparative embodiment, the current flowing through theLED string LS_I may be about 145 milliampere (mA). Therefore, thecurrent flowing through the LED string LS_I becomes greater than thetarget current of about 110 mA.

According to the comparative embodiment, when the dimming signal has thelow duty ratio, the average current of the LED string may be effectivelycontrolled.

However, referring to FIG. 8B, according to the exemplary embodiment,the driving frequency of the PWM control signal was modulated to thehigh frequency based on the duty ratio of the dimming signal DIM. Insuch an embodiment, when the dimming signal had the low duty ratio, thedriving frequency may be preset as about 30 kHz. Thus, the PWM controlsignal has more than two current control pulses during the high periodof the dimming signal which has the duty ratio less than about 1%. Insuch an embodiment, the current flowing through the LED string LSI maybe about 110 mA. Therefore, the current flowing through the LED stringLS_I may be controlled to be substantially the same as the targetcurrent of about 110 mA.

According to an exemplary embodiment, when the dimming signal has thelow duty ratio, the average current of the LED string is effectivelycontrolled.

In an exemplary embodiment, when the dimming signal has the duty ratiogreater than a high preset value which is preset as a threshold value,the driving frequency of the PWM control signal may be decreased suchthat the switching element which drives the LED string is effectivelyprevented from being damaged.

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram illustrating another alternative exemplaryembodiment of a driving signal generating part according to theinvention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 9, an exemplary embodiment of the drivingsignal generating part 250A includes a DC/DC converting part 251, afirst frequency oscillating part 252_1, a frequency modulating part 256,a second frequency oscillating part 252_2, a current feedback part 254and a constant current control part 255. The LED string LS includes aplurality of light-emitting diodes LED connected to each other inseries. A first end portion of the LED string is connected to an outputterminal of the DC/DC converting part 251 and a second end portion ofthe LED string is connected to a ground through a control switchingelement SW and a resistor R1.

The exemplary embodiment of the driving signal generating part 250A inFIG. 9 is substantially the same as the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 5, except for the frequency modulating part 256. The same or likeelements shown in FIG. 9 have been labeled with the same referencecharacters as used above to describe the exemplary embodiments of thedriving signal generating part shown in FIG. 5, and any repetitivedetailed description thereof will hereinafter be omitted or simplified.

In an exemplary embodiment, the frequency modulating part 256 includesan input part 256 a, a diode part 256 b, a voltage dividing part 256 c,an oscillating transistor 256 d and a resistor part 256 e, and modulatesthe driving frequency of the chopping wave based on the level of thedimming signal.

The input part 256 a receives a detection voltage VR detected from thesecond end portion of the LED string. The average current flowingthrough the LED string LS may be predetermined based on the level of thedetection voltage VR. In one exemplary embodiment, for example, when atarget average current, which is preset, flows through the LED stringLS, the detection voltage VR detected from the LED string LS preset as apreset value. When the average current flowing through the LED string LSis higher than the target average current, the detection voltage VR ishigher than the preset value, and when the average current flowingthrough the LED string LS is lower than the target average current, thedetection voltage VR is lower than the preset value.

The diode part 256 b includes a diode D8 which is connected to the inputpart 256 a. The detection voltage VR received from the input part 256 ais applied to the voltage dividing part 256 c through the diode part 253b.

The voltage dividing part 256 c includes a plurality of resistors R9 andR10, which are connected to each other in series. The voltage dividingpart 256 c divides the detection voltage VR and provides the oscillatingtransistor 256 d with a divided voltage.

The oscillating transistor 256 d includes a control electrode which isconnected to the voltage dividing part 256 c, an input electrode whichis connected to the second frequency oscillating part 252_2 and anoutput electrode which is connected to the resistor part 256 e.

The oscillating transistor 256 d turns on when the divided voltage isdifferent from a threshold voltage of the oscillating transistor 256 d.When the oscillating transistor 256 d is turned on, the resistor part256 e is connected in parallel to a first resistor R3 affecting thedriving frequency.

However, the oscillating transistor 256 d turns off, when the dividedvoltage is substantially the same as the threshold voltage of theoscillating transistor 256 d. When the oscillating transistor 256 d isturned off, the frequency modulating part 256 is electrically blockedfrom the second frequency oscillating part 252_2 such that the secondfrequency oscillating part 252_2 generates the chopping wave of thefirst driving frequency, which is preset.

The resistor part 256 e includes a second resistor R4 which is connectedin parallel to the first resistor R3 of the second frequency oscillatingpart 252_2. When the oscillating transistor 256 d is turned on, thesecond resistor R4 is connected in parallel to the first resistor R3such that the resistance R_(RT) of Equation 1 is decreased. The drivingfrequency f_(op), which is substantially inversely proportional to theresistance R_(RT), is increased such that the second frequencyoscillating part 252_2 generates the chopping wave of the second drivingfrequency higher than the first driving frequency.

In such an embodiment, when the level of the detection voltage VRreceived from the input part 256 a is substantially the same as thepreset value, the oscillating transistor 256 d turns off such that thatthe second frequency oscillating part 252_2 generates the chopping wavehaving the first driving frequency of the low frequency. When the levelof the detection voltage VR received from the input part 256 a isdifferent from the preset value, the oscillating transistor 256 d turnson such that the second frequency oscillating part 252_2 generates thechopping wave having the second driving frequency of the high frequency.The preset value may be preset as the level of the detection voltage VRcorresponding to the target average current flowing through the LEDstring.

As described above, in such an embodiment, the PWM control signal isgenerated using the chopping wave received from the second frequencyoscillating part 252_2 and the LED string LS is driven using the PWMcontrol signal. Thus, any repetitive detailed description thereof willbe omitted.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the frequency modulating part 256controls the second frequency oscillating part 252_2 to adjust thedriving frequency of the chopping based on the detection voltage VRdetected from the LED string. Accordingly, when the detection voltage VRis different from the preset value, the driving frequency of the PWMcontrol signal may be increased such that the average current of the LEDstring is effectively controlled.

The foregoing is illustrative of the invention and is not to beconstrued as limiting thereof. Although a few exemplary embodiments ofthe invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readilyappreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplaryembodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings andadvantages of the invention. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined inthe claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended tocover the structures described herein as performing the recited functionand not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures.Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative ofthe invention and is not to be construed as limited to the specificexemplary embodiments disclosed, and that modifications to the disclosedexemplary embodiments, as well as other exemplary embodiments, areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Theinvention is defined by the following claims, with equivalents of theclaims to be included therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of driving a light-source module, themethod comprising: determining, by a light-source driving part, a dutyratio using a detection voltage detected from an end portion of alight-emitting diode (“LED”) string of the light-source module, thelight-source driving part comprising a main transistor and a controlswitching element connected to the end portion of the LED string;generating a pulse width modulation (“PWM”) control signal having acurrent control pulse to control the control switching element, whereinthe LED string comprises a plurality of LEDs connected to each other inseries; and controlling the control switching element in response to thePWM control signal, wherein the generating the PWM control signalcomprises generating a chopping wave of a first driving frequency, thelight-source module comprises a frequency oscillating part comprising afirst resistor, and the chopping wave has a driving frequency using afollowing Equation: $\begin{matrix}{{f_{op} = \frac{K}{R_{RT}\lbrack{k\Omega}\rbrack}},} & \;\end{matrix}$ where K is a constant, and R_(RT) denotes a resistance inkiloohm of the first resistor, wherein the light-source driving partcomprises: an image analyzing part configured to analyze an image signaland to determine a target luminance value of the LED string; a dimminglevel determining part configured to determine a dimming signal of theLED string using the target luminance value; and a driving signalgenerating part comprising the main transistor, configured to adjust adriving frequency of a boosting switching signal based on the dimmingsignal and configured to drive the main transistor in response to theboosting switching signal, wherein the driving signal generating partcomprises: the frequency oscillating part configured to generate thechopping wave; a frequency modulating part configured to modulate thedriving frequency of the chopping wave to the first driving frequency,or a second driving frequency higher than the first driving frequency,based on the dimming signal which controls luminance of the LED string;and a constant current control part configured to generate first orsecond PWM control signal including the current control pulse repeatedwith the first or second driving frequency in an enable period of thedimming signal based on the chopping wave of the first or second drivingfrequency, and wherein the frequency modulating part comprises: an inputpart configured to receive the dimming signal; a voltage dividing partconfigured to divide a voltage of the dimming signal; a diode partconnected to the input part and the voltage dividing part; anoscillating transistor configured to operate in response to a dividedvoltage received from the voltage dividing part; and a resistor partcomprising a second resistor connected in parallel to the first resistorof the frequency oscillating part, which determines the drivingfrequency of the chopping wave.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein thegenerating the PWM control signal comprises: generating the choppingwave of the first driving frequency when a level of the dimming signalis greater than a preset value; and generating the first PWM controlsignal.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the generating the PWM controlsignal comprises: generating the chopping wave of the second drivingfrequency when the level of the dimming signal is less than the presetvalue; and generating the second PWM control signal.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the generating the PWM control signal comprises:generating the chopping wave of the first driving frequency when a levelof the detection voltage is substantially equal to a preset value; andgenerating the first PWM control signal.
 5. The method of claim 4,wherein the generating the PWM control signal comprises: generating thechopping wave of the second driving frequency when the level of thedetection voltage is different from the preset value; and generating thesecond PWM control signal.
 6. A display apparatus comprising: a displaypanel configured to receive an image signal and to display an imagecorresponding to the image signal; a light-source module comprising alight-emitting diode (“LED”) string, wherein the LED string comprises aplurality of LEDs connected to each other in series; and a light-sourcedriving part comprising a main transistor and a control switchingelement connected to an end portion of the LED string, and configured togenerate a pulse width modulation (“PWM”) control signal having acurrent control pulse to control the control switching element, whereinthe light-source driving part is configured to determine a duty ratiousing a detection voltage detected from the end portion of the LEDstring, to generate the PWM control signal having the current controlpulse of the duty ratio, and to adjust a driving frequency of the PWMcontrol signal, the light-source module further comprises a frequencyoscillating part which comprises a first resistor and generates achopping wave, and the chopping wave has a driving frequency using afollowing Equation:${f_{op} = \frac{K}{R_{RT}\lbrack {k\Omega} \rbrack}},$where K is a constant, and RRT denotes a resistance in kiloohm of thefirst resistor, wherein the light-source driving part comprises: animage analyzing part configured to analyze the image signal and todetermine a target luminance value of the LED string; a dimming leveldetermining part configured to determine a dimming signal of the LEDstring using the target luminance value; and the a driving signalgenerating part comprising the main transistor, configured to adjust adriving frequency of a boosting switching signal based on the dimmingsignal and configured to drive the main transistor in response to theboosting switching signal, wherein the driving signal generating partcomprises: the frequency oscillating part configured to generate thechopping wave; a frequency modulating part configured to modulate thedriving frequency of the chopping wave to the first driving frequency,or a second driving frequency higher than the first driving frequency,based on the dimming signal which controls luminance of the LED string;and a constant current control part configured to generate first orsecond PWM control signal including the current control pulse repeatedwith the first or second driving frequency in an enable period of thedimming signal based on the chopping wave of the first or second drivingfrequency, and wherein the frequency modulating part comprises: an inputpart configured to receive the dimming signal; a voltage dividing partconfigured to divide a voltage of the dimming signal; a diode partconnected to the input part and the voltage dividing part; anoscillating transistor configured to operate in response to a dividedvoltage received from the voltage dividing part; and a resistor partcomprising a second resistor connected in parallel to the first resistorof the frequency oscillating part, which determines the drivingfrequency of the chopping wave.
 7. The method of claim 2, wherein thepreset value corresponds to a duty ratio of 2 percent or less.
 8. (Thedisplay apparatus of claim 6, wherein a level of the dimming signalcorresponds to a duty ratio of 2 percent or less.